Whether or not you’re concerned about slimming down for summer, sometimes a light bite is all you crave. Beef lends itself well to lighter dishes, providing a healthy hit of protein and flavour even in less substantial recipes.
CHINESE RED-COOKED BEEF
A noodle soup is the perfect light bite, and a great option if you don’t fancy a salad. Blogger Shu Han Lee’s recipe uses tender braised beef shin braised in soy sauce, star anise and rice wine vinegar for an intensely flavoursome finish, without becoming too rich a dish.
STIR-FRIED GINGER BEEF WITH CRUNCHY AROMATIC GREENS
Stir-fries are a staple dish in many households due to their ease of preparation and that all important nutrition factor. Simply throw in whatever veg you have in the fridge, and add flavour and texture with some beautifully succulent beef. This quick and easy recipe focuses on greens, and uses stock, rice wine and soy sauce to create an accompanying sauce.
WARM ROAST BEEF SALAD WITH GRIDDLED SPRING ONIONS
This warm roast beef salad recommends using onglet, or hanger steak. Lean and flavoursome, it is often called butcher’s steak as it is said that butchers recognised its superior qualities and would keep it for themselves. Enjoy on a bed of little gem lettuce with griddled spring onions and sun-dried tomatoes.
TARTARE OF DRY-AGED IRISH BEEF PRIME FILLET
If you’re feeling adventurous, or looking to impress, a beef tartare can be a fantastic starter or light main dish. Chef Adam Bennet’s recipe incorporates Japanese flavours of fiery wasabi and pickled radish, whilst the quinoa adds a finishing crunch.
WARM SUMMER SALAD WITH SIRLOIN STEAK AND SHAMROCK GREENS
Using some of the best produce Ireland has to offer, including soda bread croutons, kale, pearl barley and, of course, Irish sirloin steak, this summer salad ticks all the boxes for a nourishing midweek meal. Blogger Rachel Walker suggests serving with a salsa verde and ensuring the barley remains al dente.